Cavanagh was born in Ottawa, Ontario. At age six, he moved with his family to Ghana, where his father educated local school teachers. His family later moved back to Quebec, where he attended Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. He played varsity ice hockey and basketball, and graduated with degrees in English, biology and education.
Tom Cavanagh is perhaps best known for his television work, including his starring role on the comedy series "Ed," for which he earned a Golden Globe Award nomination and won the 2001 TV Guide Award for Actor of the Year. In addition to acting in the show, he also produced and directed a number of episodes. He played a recurring part in the critically acclaimed sitcom "Scrubs," and starred in the series "Trust Me," "Eli Stone" and "Love Monkey." He also had a regular role in the popular drama series "Providence," and starred in the Showtime Network's drama "Bang Bang You're Dead," which won a Peabody Award and several Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Children's Special, and which garnered Cavanagh a nomination for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special.
On the big screen, Cavanagh has appeared in a number of independent films, including the romantic comedy "Gray Matters," the family film "How to Eat Fried Worms," and the Canadian comedy "Breakfast with Scot." He directed a short film set in New York City, about a female playground basketball hustler.
Cavanagh made his debut on Broadway in 1989, in the revival of the musical "Shenandoah." His stage credits also include productions of "Grease," "A Chorus Line," "Cabaret," "Brighton Beach Memoirs," "Urinetown" and "Some Americans Abroad."
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